Tuesday, January 21, 2014

2013 SEVEN, Pop Culture-Wise, Anyway...

POPS GUSTAV, Newark NJ

1) HANNIBALThe best show on TV. There, I said it. If you’re not watching it, you’re an idiot. Okay, maybe that’s harsh, but c’mon… you really should be. The most visually arresting show since TWIN PEAKS, but way better written and acted (and I was a fan!).

2) Stephen Colbert’s “Get Lucky” DanceMy favorite pop culture moment of 2013. The always-brilliant Colbert turned lemons (booked band cancels appearance) into sheer lemonade ebullience. I’ve watched it over a dozen times, and it puts a mile-wide smile on my face every time. 3) Friends’ BandsThe Defibulators’ DEBT’LL GET ‘EM was my favorite side of the year, and they were hardly the only amazing band comprised of people I call friend: Nipsey, Désir Decir, The Wax Darts, Sarolea, the Tijuana Bibles, Life Eaters, Trio Agave, The Black Hollies, TV Sound, and Overlake are just a few names you should seek out. 4) Retro Comics
Despite a bitter taste regarding DC’s New 52, there are actually a handful of comic books that harken to days past that I’m buying: BATMAN: BLACK AND WHITE, ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN, THE FOX (and, while technically a 2014 release, Bob Fingerman’s MINIMUM WAGEreboot)!
5) BREAKING BADWhile the behavior of the Aryans felt at times a bit too Deus ex Machina, the final 8 episodes of maybe the second best drama of all time delivered an ending both satisfying and surprising. Bravo, Vince Gilligan.
6) ALEX TOTH: GENIUS, ILLUSTRATEDIDW’s second volume in its massive trilogy showcases my all-time favorite artist at his creative peak, while giving insight into lost projects and all the greatness that might have been. 7) Tie: KEY & PEELE / KROLL SHOWWhile sitcoms continue to be mostly tired anachronisms, sketch comedy remains fertile, mostly on these two shows which—while admittedly hit or miss—have more than a handful of hilarious, eminently rewatchable moments that skirt brilliance.

And, while I have your attention:This marks as many posts in 2014 as there were in all of 2013, and I honestly have no idea if it's going to be the same from here out. The irony is, as the Internet has become primarily a repository of lists, the impetus to add to this particular blog seems to have dwindled, perhaps in response. List overload? You tell me. If people send me good lists of 7, I'll be happy to add to the pot. Otherwise, I'll see you next January!